At a lecture in front of an international audience in Singapore, the inspector of the navy, Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, announced that the navy will continue to be present in the Indo-Pacific in the future. He wants to enable regular deployment there as early as 2023. He is thinking even further ahead and referred to the F 125 class frigates, which allow deployments of up to two years. Talks are being held with partners in the region and in Singapore about setting up a temporary logistical support hub, which would simplify logistical support.
If Vice Admiral Schönbach had his way, the future deployment of German naval units could take place as a national undertaking or in an international format together with European and transatlantic partner navies. However, he pleaded with the political leadership in favour of a national approach. It would improve acceptance and respect in the region. An assessment that was later confirmed (question and answer session).
Frigate "Bayern": Security policy icebreaker
He summarised the deployment of the frigate "Bayern", which will spend Christmas and the New Year in Singapore, positively. She is the "proverbial security policy icebreaker" of the German government, which launched the Indo-Pacific Guidelines 2020. "The deployment of the frigate "Bayern" is intended to underpin the security aspect of our commitment in the Indo-Pacific." After an absence of almost 20 years, many things had to be learnt "from scratch", "not only in terms of geography and hydrography, but above all in terms of the countries, their people and their different perspectives," said the German naval chief.
The situation on the ground is more complex than it is perceived in Germany, he said. He cited the great concern about the military rise of China, whose military budget has increased more than tenfold in the last 20 years. The People's Republic is continuously expanding its military and maritime capacities. According to US estimates, the Chinese fleet will grow from the current 355 units to 460 units by 2030.
Germany as an equal partner with a sense of proportion
In retrospect, the inspector of the navy was convinced to send the "Bayern" on the voyage as a single driver. This provided the opportunity to intensify the dialogue with the partners for mutual benefit. Which also contributed to the political success of the voyage so far. This allowed Germany to present itself as what it is: a European middle power without a hidden agenda. The countries of the Indo-Pacific region are in demand when it comes to finding a common basis for a stable and peaceful regional order. Germany was offering its support when it came to finding solutions. However, it is not Germany's intention to impose its own view of the region.
In the question and answer session, which one of the participants rated as the best in ages, the concern of the neighbouring countries about an escalation was articulated. With an increased presence of others, there is a risk of incidents that could easily lead to undesirable developments in an already volatile region. One of the political representatives present complimented Germany on its prudent approach, which was demonstrated by the trip of the "Bavarians". Ms Ambassador-at-Large Chan Heng Chee, currently an advisor in Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated that with the current action, Germany had proven that it would adhere to the Goldie Locks principle. From the reactions of the audience, the online observer got the impression: "We trust you, you have a sure instinct, we want and need you in the region - but please leave the others at home and come alone!"
Recommendation for a passage on Taiwan Street
When asked about the passage through the Taiwan Strait, the German naval chief pointed out that it was a free sea route. Nevertheless, the passage would always remain a political decision, for which he would make a recommendation for the next time. This time, he said, this did not happen because the second step should not be taken before the first.
Goldi Locks' principle
The Goldi Locks principle describes the advantage of staying within certain limits rather than going to extremes. The principle goes back to the children's story "The Three Bears", in which a little girl called Goldi Locks (Goldilocks) finds a house of three bears. Each bear has its own preferences. Especially when it comes to food, their favourite porridge - one likes it hot, the other cold. So Goldi Locks finds out what suits her - the temperature is right for the third bear. The principle is used particularly in developmental psychology, biology, economics and engineering. In politics, it describes an approach to finding the right path in important matters.
Vice Admiral Schönbach gave the Fullerton Lecture of the IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies) on 21 December 2021. The series comprises six lectures per year, in which important personalities from the Asia-Pacific region and from international organisations in Singapore speak.
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